Aurtenetxe: Players can become legends

He has played in the Copa del Rey final for Athletic Bilbao against a star-studded Barcelona team featuring the legendary Lionel Messi.

However, Jon Aurtenetxe admits that if he and his Dundee team-mates can end the club’s long, long wait for a Scottish Cup triumph, they will become legends in their own right.

The Basque full-back has rapidly become a fans’ favourite and recently put pen to paper on a contract extension that will keep him at Dens until at least the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has been in Scotland long enough now to know that Celtic will be firm favourites to retain the Scottish Cup but he is daring to dream that Dundee can go all the way to win the trophy for the first time since away back in 1910.

He said: “I played in the final against Barcelona and unfortunately lost but I like the cup competitions.

“I played against Messi. He is obviously the best player in the world so it is always difficult against him.

“That Barcelona team was the best they have had in the last few years.

“It is always a huge challenge when you face a side like that. I am happy to now play with Dundee in the Scottish Cup.

“It will be a hard game against Inverness but hopefully we will win.

“I think it is difficult to win the cup in Scotland because Celtic are a very big team but hopefully we can do our jobs and get to the final and win it.

“We could become legends after so many years without a win so it is really exciting.”

Aurtenetxe admits it took him time to adjust to the game in this country but having found his feet, he insists he will continue to improve as the season progresses.

He said: “When I play, I try to do my best. I am happy at Dundee and think I am playing well. But I hope I can do even better before the end of the season.

“The game here is different to Spanish football.

“Here it is more direct, with the players finding more space behind the defenders. But it is good football here.

“The first games were difficult for me but I think I have got used to it. The players here are stronger than the ones in Spain but it is different football.”